The Thrill of the Chase...or...

First, I have to start with some random silliness. I took my daughter to Target yesterday while my mom was at the salon. I like cookies, and I like frosting, so I couldn't' resist getting a St. Patrick's Day cookie cake. However, it didn't have enough frosting, and I realize it was missing something else. So I fixed it.

Why? Because I can...

Okay, so now onto my topic today. The Title Of Forrest's Memoir. The Thrill of the Chase: A Memoir. The way I see it, the title serves a purpose, and here is my reasoning behind a few theories.

The first theory is the title is meant to be The Thrill of the Chase: A Memoir. But, what is Forrest chasing, if this is a memoir? Usually, this phrase pertains to the chase of women, or prey.

We all know that Forrest is a bit of a romantic, but his memoir says he clearly found his princess, his royal lady, his best friend. So, it's clearly not about chasing women or even chasing Peggy. It seems like Peggy recognized Forrest's qualities, and there is no mention of a chase in that context of the title.

Then, there are theories that"chase" means metalwork, or bronze, or the lost wax process of bronze-making. But his doesn't really fit in with a couple keep words: A Memoir. Yes, creating bronze sculptures has been a big, rewarding part of Forrest's life, and I would love to have Forrest show me how to make my very own bronze piece like he did with 23kachinas. Maybe one day, he will, but I will never impose on him to satisfy my own selfish desires.

The point is, chasing bronze or metalsmithing doesn't really fit the title, just because it is a memoir. Although, I am extremely interested where this large bronze call "The Babysitter" is located. Anyone know? Forrest?

So, what is Forrest chasing?

In my opinion, the title has a little word play involved. Just like Forrest points out that a butterfly is really a flutterby. In the context of the book, I think the title is meant as a hint in itself--The Chase of the Thrill: A Memoir.

The book is chock full of Forrest in thrilling situations, testing the limits, and pushing the edges. He seems to love that adrenaline rush that those of us who do and dare share.

He ran across desks at school. He was shot down twice. He might not have wanted to be shot down, but you can bet those experiences were thrilling to him, if not in a good way. He ditched school by sneaking out the school window. He ventured into the unknown, with Donnie, with later friends, and probably often by himself. Even when he lingered with Skippy after bedtime, we see the pushing of limits. He's handled live mortar rounds when exploring with his friend. He's sat in graveyards alone at night. He's slipped out his window at night, edging as close as possible to watch the gypsies dance.

He's a thrill chaser. Jamie and I have some theories regarding those thrill chasing activities, but those are secret.

I'm not quite sure what the real meaning is, but I'm thinking it may be a combination of bronze and chasing the thrill.

I also think I know how bronze relates to the chase specifically, but that's a secret. :)

Sorry for any grammar or unorganized thoughts today--it's too early on Sunday to have the energy to go over this with a fine tooth comb.